Dog locked in a hot car? Burlington says rules are in place

Some Burlington residents are advocating for bylaws against leaving a pet in a hot locked car, but the City says rules are already in place.

This time of year usually brings a rash of complaints from residents concerned about dogs left in cars in local parking lots, usually as a result of the owner going to do some shopping or carrying out other chores.

This year has been no different with several complaints already filed and many advocating for stiffer penalties for those who don’t take pet care more seriously.

“Our office is receiving a number of emails advocating for a bylaw for animals in hot cars from concerned residents,” writes Mayor Marianne Meed Ward in her weekly public update.

While Burlington doesn’t have its own specific bylaws, the mayor’s office says rules do exist on the Provincial level.

The regulations exist through Ontario’s Animal Welfare Services (AWS).

The AWS can be contacted if an animal is in distress or being neglected. This includes animals that are injured, in pain, sick, suffering or abused. As well, it can be for those that lack proper care, water, food or shelter.

The AWS phone number is 1-833-9-ANIMAL.

If you report an animal that is in distress, being abused or neglected:

1. The Ontario Animal Protection Call Centre will file an incident ticket and connect you with the appropriate local contact.
2. Based on the location and nature of the incident, the call centre may flag the ticket for further investigation with the appropriate authorities, such as a provincial inspector or the local police.
3. After the appropriate authority reviews the incident ticket, they may investigate on-site or involve other authorities as needed. Authorities may contact you directly if they need more information.

As well, if you need to report immediate concerns about an unattended pet in distress to Halton Police at 905-825-4777 or Service Burlington at (905) 335-7777 and [email protected]. #BurlON.